The last rites of Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray will be performed at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai this evening. The mortal remains of the 86-year-old Sena patriarch has been taken from his residence 'Matoshree' to Sena Bhavan in Dadar at around 7 AM. The body will be kept at Shivaji Park from 9 AM for Shiv Sena workers to pay their last respects.

Shiv Sena Supremo died at his residence Matoshree in Mumbai yesterday. Thackeray was suffering from multiple organ failure. Dr. Jalil Parker, who was treating Balasaheb, told media persons that Thackeray suffered a heart attack and doctors could not revive him despite their best efforts. He said, Thackeray breathed his last at 3.30 PM.

Massive crowds of Shiv Sena supporters gathered outside Matoshree, within minutes of the announcement of his death. Shops in several areas were shut down as the news of Thackeray's death spread. People were stranded in several areas as many taxis and auto rickshaws also went off the road. The security has been tightened in Mumbai in the wake of Thackeray's death. Shooting of various films and television shows have been cancelled for two days as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

President Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and leaders of various political parties condoled the death of Bal Thackeray. Dr. Manmohan Singh cancelled the dinner he was to host last evening for BJP leaders. Dr. Singh said, for Balasaheb Thackeray, the interests of Maharashtra were particularly important and he always strived to inculcate a sense of pride in its people. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also condoled the death of Shiv Sena Chief. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said, Thackeray, as cartoonist, arrived on the scene like a storm after the collapse of communists in Mumbai, and took forward the legacy of his reformist father.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani said, Thackeray's death has left a void in the politics of the country.